very tough

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "very tough" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe something that is extremely difficult or hard to accomplish. For example, "Running a marathon is very tough."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was very tough.

University of California, Berkeley

One's obviously very tough.

The New York Times - Sports

He's still very tough.

The New York Times - Sports

A: It's very tough.

The New York Times

R.H.: It's very tough.

The New Yorker

That's very tough.

The New Yorker

"It's very tough.

The New York Times - Sports

She is very tough...

The Washington Post

This can be very tough.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Sometimes it's very tough.

The Guardian - Travel

Yeah, it's very tough.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation or task, use "very tough" to accurately convey the high level of difficulty involved. Ensure the context supports the intensity implied by the phrase.

Common error

While "very tough" is widely applicable, consider using more nuanced language in informal settings. Alternatives such as "really hard" or "quite challenging" may be more appropriate and avoid sounding overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "very tough" functions primarily as an adjectival modifier, intensifying the adjective "tough". It serves to describe the extreme level of difficulty, resilience, or demanding nature of something. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "very tough" is a grammatically sound and highly frequent adjectival modifier used to intensify the description of something difficult or resilient. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for a wide range of contexts, particularly in News & Media and Academia. While it is broadly applicable, consider more nuanced alternatives in informal settings to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Remember to use "very tough" when you want to accurately convey a high level of difficulty or strength.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely challenging

Emphasizes the demanding nature of a task or situation.

highly difficult

Focuses on the level of effort required to overcome obstacles.

remarkably resilient

Highlights the ability to withstand hardship and recover quickly.

intensely competitive

Stresses the high level of rivalry and pressure involved.

exceptionally demanding

Implies that something requires a great deal of effort and attention.

formidably strong

Indicates an impressive level of power or capability.

considerably arduous

Highlights the laboriousness and wearisome nature of a task.

particularly rigorous

Emphasizes the strictness and precision required in a process.

notoriously hard

Focuses on the widely known difficulty of something.

terribly strenuous

Underscores the physically or mentally exhausting nature of an activity.

FAQs

How can I use "very tough" in a sentence?

You can use "very tough" to describe situations, tasks, or people that are extremely difficult or resilient. For example, "The exam was "very tough"" or "She is a "very tough" competitor".

What are some alternatives to "very tough"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "extremely challenging", "highly difficult", or "remarkably resilient" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "very tough" in formal writing?

Yes, "very tough" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when accuracy and clarity are paramount. However, consider using more sophisticated vocabulary if aiming for a more elevated tone.

What's the difference between "very tough" and "quite tough"?

"Very tough" implies a higher degree of difficulty compared to "quite tough". The former suggests an extreme challenge, while the latter indicates a considerable but not overwhelming one.